North Texas faces extreme fire threat this Friday

Fire departments and state officials in North Texas are preparing for extreme fire conditions on Friday due to high winds and low humidity. The National Weather Service has issued an unusual "extreme" fire risk warning, the first of its kind for the area since 2009. Emergency coordinators met with the Texas A&M Forest Service to pre-assign resources for potential wildfires. Wind gusts could reach 65 mph, raising concerns about rapidly spreading fires, especially with recent burn ban violations. Most fire departments are increasing staffing, and firefighting aircraft are stationed in Mineral Wells. The Red Cross is also preparing in Parker County, indicating expectations of fire incidents despite warnings against careless behavior.